When should you install your winter tires?

Most Canadians enjoyed a wonderful summer this year, filled with sunny days and unusually hot temperatures. But in most parts of Canada, we can already feel that the weather is changing, and that temperatures are dropping. Soon, we will be wanting for the last few months and regretting that we complained about how hot it was. As temperatures continue to go down, it’s also a good time to start thinking about winter tires.

Although they are not legally required in most parts of Canada, winter tires should be on every Canadian vehicle when the snow starts to fall. The handling and safety advantages of having proper winter tires are undeniable. If you already know this, then you may be wondering when would be a good time to install these tires. The answer is very soon.

“When the temperature begins to drop and hover around 7 degrees Celsius, your summer tires will begin to harden and their grip will diminish. That’s when you want to have your winter tires installed”, explains a service technician at Atlantic Mazda.

You also want to remember that as fall rolls in, there will be a rush at every tire center and dealership in your area, so you want to book your appointment in advance. Mid-October is the best time to install your winter tires, even if the first snow fall is, hopefully, still a few weeks away.